Saturday, February 18, 2017

CARA friends and supporters, we feel the need to let our extended CARA family know that our shelter, the CARA compound, was broken into and vandalized last Tuesday night during the wee morning hours. We want you to know first and foremost that all of our animals are safe. They broke locks off of the pod and storage trailer, broke into our photo building and our office supply storage building. They also got through the locked exterior door into our cattery, but were not able to compromise the lock on the inside door that leads to the cats. And we are beyond thankful for that. They also broke into our shelter Toyota pickup, stealing the radio system, but were unable to steal the truck. Because of the damage they did trying, that vehicle will likely be totaled. They also cut through our fencing all the way around this 30,000 sq ft building. Most likely, they were attempting to get inside the main building through the dog yards. I can only imagine how intimidating a shelter with 250 barking dogs sounds in the middle of the night from the outside. We feel sure that is the only thing that kept them from going in. However, we were very distraught to get here this morning to find that they have been back. They cut fencing in different yards that was not previously cut, probably still looking for that magic door that they could enter that may be free of dogs.

Our biggest concern is for the safety of these precious animals. That is by far most important. Any material items they take, can be replaced. We are a non-profit and we struggle to even have the things needed to run a shelter of this size. Therefore, a lot of what we have is used, probably not worth much to someone like these thieves. But the lives of these babies are invaluable and we will protect them at all cost. We are in the process of getting quotes from alarm and surveillance companies, as what we have is ancient and really not worth much for protection. We are also getting quotes on fencing. And it's a lot of fencing. Truth is, the fencing we have, other than what is in our dog park, is pieced together and has been for the 10 years that we have been here. We have known for some time that we need new, more secure fencing just for daily use by employees and our dogs. At this point, it doesn't make much sense to try to patch and rig any further. If there is any possible way, we would like to finally get some decent fencing here.

And all of that brings me to this. You guys, we need help. We hate to ask for help and those of you who know us, know that we rarely do ask. I mean, very rarely. It has to be a very desperate situation. And this is a desperate situation. We have got to get in line with other local shelters and the surveillance and alarm systems they have in place to protect their animals. We are still in the dark ages and obviously, we have got to change that. We are going to scrape from every corner we can possibly find to take this on, but we sincerely cannot do this without help from our community. Anyone who feels led to help us move into this direction, please consider donating to our organization. We need your help now more than ever. These animals are top priority, whatever that means to keep them safe. If it means begging, then we have it to do. I apologize that we need to ask for help, but this time, there is no getting around it.

As always, thank you bigger than I can say for your support over the last 16 years. Everything we have been able to do, we've been able to do because of you. And we have never lost sight of that, nor will we ever. Thank you, in advance, for any help you can provide. (VH) Donate here if you want to help.

This act of vandalism (?) seems more than ordinary. To return to do more seems to me to be more a deranged perpetrator. There are only two reasons I can imagine anyone breaking into an animal shelter. One is to get animals to sell and the other is to do grave harm to the animals. This was no act of love nor does it seem to be one of boredom. I suggest a Go Fund Me page and some additional publicity. Cameras should be a definite part of repairs and upgrades.

"Wee Hours" indeed. Oh the HIGH DRAMA. This was not vandalism. Think of another term for it. Nobody was trying to harm the animals. Thieves don't give a hoot about harming animals. Hire a damned guard and get security cameras installed.

For goodness sake, these tree huggers act as though one is trying to adopt a child, not a homeless pet. Get a grip CARA, that's why I stopped donating to you gals. My money is better spent on other animal adoption agencies.

3:53 - my sentiments exactly. I disregard their pleas for more money simply because the have ridiculous requirements for pet adoption and therefore have too many animals. I assure you that kitten would've been much happier at my house than locked up in the cages at CARA, but it didn't get to come home with me because it would have been outside some and "didn't know how to live outside"...it's a kitten; they've existed outside for eons...

I agree with 11:25. From the top down, this organization does not understand the concept of a business plan or being good stewards of the monies they are given. A board member actually told me to my face that 'they are not a business'. They stuff the building full of poor animals, many of which will NEVER be adoptable, and think they are doing the community a favor...all while bad-mouthing MARL under their breaths for being realistic about the plight of homeless animals in MS. I feel sorry for the animals who are jailed there, and the many volunteers who come there wanting to make a difference. Unfortunately, they only enable CARA to perpetuate this backward idea that rounding up and caging every stray animal is an actual solution that needs to be supported by huge amounts of donated money. With all due respect to the good intentions these people have, this approach to rescue is unsustainable and needs to go away.

It's sad that anyone gets vandalized and robbed, but the comments about the care of the animals at CARA are accurate. Years - I'm not exaggerating - in a cage with no hope of adoption isn't humane. Ridiculously stringent adoption requirements only serve to exacerbate the problem. This lady is a hoarder and needs to move aside for someone who will actually look out for the animals' best interest.

I hate the plight of the many homeless animals in our state. Until everyone spays & neuters their pets and until Farm Bureau stops their insane battle against anti-cruelty laws, encouraging dog-fighting, among other crimes, it will continue. Our shelters and volunteers do the best they can with this situation. There are arguments for and against kill and no-kill shelters. All have adoption rules, and most are necessary so that irresponsible people don't continue to breed the adopted animals or throw them back on the street once they're not little and cute any longer, or worse, adopt them to use a fighting dogs or bait. Work at any shelter for one day, and you will get it. Very short version of a very deep problem. One thing is for sure, there's a special place in hell for people who rob charities and harm animals. Most likely, one reason for the break-in was to steal animals for fighting bait. And don't start - OF COURSE children come first - that's just not what we're talking about.

No, there was no intention of stealing animals for fighting bait. That's a ridiculous claim. There is zero evidence of any attempt to steal animals. Besides, you can ride the streets and pick up animals all over the metro for that purpose without fear of being arrested for breaking into a business.

Warehousing hundreds of animals in cages in a very high stress environment for many years is rescuing them from... what? They have numerous dogs they took in as cute little puppies that are over 8 years old now!!

What kind of life is that for an animal??

Years ago, after hearing how much trouble they seemed to have placing animals, I sent a friend there who'd lost his beloved elderly dog. What he shared about their adoption process left little doubt as to why they continue to accumulate more and more animals. He finally gave up in disgust.

The symptoms of hoarding are classic. I support several local rescues... but not this one. They need to take a long hard look in the mirror - and at the animals suffering in their facility. Food and water is not enough.

Who is the Hottest Reporter in Jackson?

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything). Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up. In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!